U.S. Institute of Peace

06/01/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/01/2023 14:03

Washington’s Week of Wins Strengthens Ties with Key Pacific Island Partners

The United States notched multiple diplomatic wins in the Pacific Islands region last week, making further progress in Washington's efforts to step up engagement in this oft-neglected part of the world. In a move closely watched by Pacific nations, the United States signed deals to renew its economic assistance to Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia for the next 20 years. Meanwhile, although President Biden had to cancel his planned visit to Papua New Guinea, Secretary of State Antony Blinken inked a defense cooperation deal with the island nation in the president's stead. While the region has become another arena for U.S.-China competition, Washington has long-standing relationships and interests there that go well beyond its rivalry with Beijing.